The latest Women and Men in India 2022 report, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, sheds light on several crucial statistics related to sex ratio, labour force participation, population growth, age of sex structure, access to health information and services, and fertility rate. This report informs our understanding of the current status of gender disparities in India, and provides essential insights into potential future trends.
Sex Ratio Findings
According to the report, India’s sex ratio at birth has risen slightly from 904 in 2017-19 to 907 in 2018-20. Additionally, it is projected that the overall sex ratio (measured as females per 1,000 males) will rise significantly to 952 by 2036, up from 943 in 2011. This trend indicates a slow but steady improvement in the gender balance of the country’s population.
Labour Force Participation
In terms of labour force participation for those above 15 years of age, the rate has been increasing since 2017-18. However, there remains a significant gap between men and women, with rates of 77.2 and 32.8 respectively in 2021-22. The report points out that social factors, educational qualifications, and gender discrimination in terms of wages and opportunities are the primary contributors to this disparity.
Population Growth Trajectory
The report highlights that the population growth rate of India, currently in a downward trend from 2.2% in 1971 to 1.1% in 2021, is expected to decrease further to 0.58% by 2036. In absolute numbers, this projects an increase from 1.2 billion people in 2011 to approximately 1.5 billion people in 2036, with minimal progress in the female population percentage (from 48.5% to 48.8%).
Age and Sex Structure
The age and sex structure of the Indian population is predicted to significantly change by 2036, with a reduction in the under-15 population and a rise in those above 60. This suggests a forthcoming shift in the population pyramid, with a narrowing at the base and broadening in the middle. Such changes can have diverse implications for gender-related matters, primarily driven by fertility and mortality trends.
Access to Health Information and Services
The report outlines that women and girls face more challenges than men and boys in accessing health information and services due to restrictions on mobility, lack of resources, and limited decision-making power.
Fertility Rate
Between 2016 and 2020, the age-specific fertility rate notably decreased from 135.4 to 113.6 for the 20-24 age group, and from 166.0 to 139.6 for the 25-29 age group. These changes likely reflect the impact of improved education and job security on women’s economic independence. Conversely, the fertility rate for the 35-39 age group increased from 32.7 to 35.6 during the same period. The average age of marriage also rose slightly, from 22.1 years in 2017 to 22.7 years in 2020.